Students looking for Occupational Therapy Assistant programs in Daytona Beach have two local options: Daytona State College and Keiser University.
Both schools offer Associate of Science degrees that prepare graduates for entry-level work as occupational therapy assistants. The programs differ significantly in cost, admissions, and overall structure.
OTA Schools in Daytona Beach
| School | Degree | Length | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytona State College | Associate of Science | About 22 months | Campus |
| Keiser University | Associate of Science | About 20–24 months | Campus |
Both programs include classroom instruction, laboratory work, and supervised fieldwork.
Daytona State College OTA Program
Daytona State College offers an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at its Daytona Beach campus.
The program combines occupational therapy coursework with labs and clinical fieldwork. Students learn how to help people improve or regain the skills needed for everyday activities following illness, injury, disability, or other health conditions.
Program Highlights
- Associate of Science degree
- Approximately 22 months
- Campus-based instruction
- Hands-on laboratory training
- Supervised clinical fieldwork
- Limited-access admission
- Public college tuition rates
Admission requires prerequisite coursework that includes anatomy and physiology, psychology, and introductory occupational therapy coursework. Because the OTA program is limited access, completing the prerequisites does not guarantee admission.
View our Daytona State College OTA program profile.
Keiser University Daytona Beach OTA Program
Keiser University offers its Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at the Daytona Beach campus.
The curriculum covers occupational therapy across the lifespan, including work with children, older adults, and people with physical or developmental disabilities. Students complete classroom courses along with Level I and Level II fieldwork.
Program Highlights
- Associate of Science degree
- Campus-based program
- Occupational therapy coursework across the lifespan
- Level I and Level II fieldwork
- Clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice
- Private university
Keiser also offers the OTA degree at several other Florida campuses, which may give students additional options if they are open to attending school outside Daytona Beach.
View our complete Keiser University OTA program profile.
How Much Do OTA Programs in Daytona Beach Cost?
Cost is one of the biggest differences between the two Daytona Beach OTA programs.
Daytona State College is a public institution and can be significantly less expensive for Florida residents. Keiser University is a private university with higher published tuition.
| School | Type | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona State College | Public | About $5,900* |
| Keiser University | Private | See current program tuition |
*The Daytona State estimate is based on published per-credit tuition and does not include books, fees, supplies, transportation, or other program expenses.
Students should confirm current tuition and fees directly with each school before enrolling.
View Daytona State College tuition and fees
View Keiser University OTA program information
Daytona State College vs. Keiser University
The better choice depends largely on your budget and what you want from your college experience.
Daytona State College may be a good fit if you:
- Want a lower-cost public college option
- Qualify for Florida resident tuition
- Are comfortable with a competitive, limited-access admission process
- Prefer a traditional public college setting
Keiser University may be a good fit if you:
- Prefer a private university
- Want to consider multiple Florida campus locations
- Are comfortable with the higher cost
- Want a program with OTA coursework and fieldwork integrated throughout the curriculum
For many students, cost will be the biggest difference. Daytona State College offers a much lower published tuition rate, while Keiser provides the structure and resources of a private university.
OTA Program Accreditation in Daytona Beach
Students should attend an OTA program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Graduates of an ACOTE-accredited OTA program can apply to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Passing the exam leads to the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential.
Florida also requires occupational therapy assistants to meet state licensing requirements before practicing.
Students should verify the current accreditation status of any program directly with ACOTE before enrolling.
Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Daytona Beach
The typical path to becoming an OTA includes:
- Complete an ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant degree.
- Complete the required fieldwork included in the program.
- Graduate from the OTA program.
- Apply for and pass the NBCOT certification examination.
- Complete Florida’s requirements for OTA licensure.
Once licensed, OTAs can work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, and home health.
Which Daytona Beach OTA Program Should You Choose?
Daytona Beach gives prospective OTA students two distinctly different choices.
Daytona State College stands out for affordability. Its public-college tuition can make the OTA degree much less expensive, especially for Florida residents.
Keiser University provides a private-school alternative with OTA programs available at multiple Florida campuses.
Compare tuition, admissions requirements, program schedules, fieldwork expectations, and campus location before deciding which program fits your needs.
Explore More Florida OTA Programs
Daytona Beach is one of several Florida areas with Occupational Therapy Assistant programs. You can also explore programs in:
Students who are open to attending school elsewhere in the state can compare additional options in our complete guide to Occupational Therapy Assistant programs in Florida.